My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

My oncologist recommended a CT scan to check for other possible cancer. Should I be worried about radiation exposure?

I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, underwent surgery and received treatment. My CEA tests and my colonoscopy since then have shown no growths or changes.
Related Topics: Colonoscopy, Surgery, Colon Cancer
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Hope Uronis, MD, MHSHope Uronis, MD, MHSSUCCESS!
Hope Uronis, MD, MHS
Gastrointestinal Oncology
Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
7 Answers
29 Helpful Votes
5 Followers
A.

... It sounds great that your CEA is not changing and that your colonoscopy looks good. These are exactly the things that we need to follow. You ask a very good question about scans, There is data coming out about the radiation risks associated with scans and it has made us think about how we follow patients. I typically follow patients with scans for some period of time, usually determined by the extent of their tumor. The reason being is that we can detect any new diease early so that we can more easily address it. It sounds as though you have not had a CT scan since your surgery. If that is the case, I think it would be reasonable to get one now that you are nearly 2 years from completing all your therapy. It may be that this is the only one your oncologist will want to do. I would also recommend discussing your fears about radiation with your physician as it may allow the two of you to come up with a plan that is comfortable for your both. ... 

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

5 of 9 found this helpful
Read the Original Article: Colon Cancer follow-up w/CT scan?
 
 
1 Answer

Next Question:

What are the risks of a chest CT scan? Next Question